BANGALORE: The delay in inaugurating the Namma Metro train services has affected the work on the renovation of the M G Road Boulevard which was supposed to have started by Marchend.
Earlier in March, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), through a press circular, had notified that to facilitate the Boulevard work,the metro mockup coach will be shifted from Anil Kumble Circle by March 25.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited, along with the assistance of Horticulture Department will carry out the restoration work.
No notification
However, both Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Plike (BBMP) and Horticulture Department have not received any notification on the matter.
"We haven't received any update related to the M G Road Boulevard. They will notify once they decide to start the work," was the reply from both Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Plike EngineerinChief B T Ramesh and Su Chandrashekhar of the Horticulture Department.
The restoration and renovation work on the M G Road Boulevard, expected to cost over Rs 7 crore, envisages an elevated walkway, an openair theatre, an art gallery, a museum and a children's play area.
The promenade was razed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited in 2007 before it started the construction of the viaduct for Namma Metro Reach One between Byappanahalli and Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Like Bangalore Metro that has now missed three dead lines, numerous deadline have been set in the past for the M G Road Boulevard but till now nothing much has happened.
Mockup coach
According to a BMRCL source,the relocation of the mockup also has caused the delay.
Earlier, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited was planning to shift the mockup to Byappanahalli depot. However, there were also discussions to auctionoff the mockup.
"There are various options being suggested,if they can find a bidder,they want to auction off the mockup,"the source said. But Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited is yet to decide on the matter.
"We are still exploring all options and have not finalised anything." Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited Engineer and Spokesperson B L Y Chavan said.
